Avatar: Cycles of Life (Closed)

[Ahren1]

Sai smiled again as Fukiko continued to blush. It was really nice being able to interact with such a sweet and innocent girl again. She was special in many ways, and he considered himself lucky just to be sitting beside her right now. Sheng probably felt the same way with Fumiko right now. He could only hope that the girls never became a subject of hostility, but it wasn't likely. Sai knew the mission came first, though admittedly right now it was hard to focus on anything but the beautiful Fukiko.

"No, definitely not a platypus-bear. More like.. a perfect sunset ripe for the canvas. I know that sounds silly.. I'm not good at metaphors. I just tried to think of the most beautiful thing I could..." Sai chuckled softly. He was about ready for her to roll her eyes and leave him be, but he had a habit of saying things that were on his mind regardless. As he observed her stargazing, he thought on what she had said. To get to know him better could potentially be dangerous. Perhaps she wouldn't like who he really was. Still, he wanted to know her, and being closer to her in any way was not a bad thought.

"No discomfort at all.. You're not exactly just any strangers. You've proven who you are. If anything, I'd understand if you were uncomfortable with me. Nonetheless, I am pleased that you aren't. It makes getting to know each other easier, and I do wish to get to know you as well..."

 

[Armphid]

"Don't be sorry," Sheng all but whispered, "I'm not." He hadn't let her go yet, too wrapped up in the feeling of this young beauty held to him, her arms about his neck, fingers toying with his ponytail, her head resting so lightly on his shoulder. He should let her go, stand back, say something funny. She was the Avatar's daughter, and he met her yesterday. She was special. He shouldn't be enjoying this so much, or want to feel more.

He did, of course, but he shouldn't.

He smiled down into that delicate face, gazing into her dark eyes which had again become shy and uncertain. "You're right. We just met and I don't want to go too fast for you, or...I'm not making any sense, am I?" He chuckled, then sighed. "I should let you go. But I don't want to, not yet."

Without another word, he kissed her again. He let his hands move this time, running slowly up and down her back as their lips locked and grappled with sudden heat for much longer this time. He'd kissed girls before. He'd even done more than that before. But no kiss had ever been so enthralling, so whole hearted, so shyly bold, as hers was.

 

[HookerBoots]

Tucking her hair behind her ears, Fukiko looked at him with a slightly amazed expression. "Really? I . . . it means a lot to hear that." She shifted slightly, one hand resting lightly on the grass near his. There were some things that he wasn't ready to share with them yet, she knew that. But there was something very attractive about him, and Fukiko wasn't really prepared to fight against it with reason yet.

"Well, I suppose we'll have the chance to do that on the trip." She blushed lightly, and moved her hand so that their fingers were just touching.

~ ~ ~ ~​

When he kissed her again, Fumiko almost felt her legs go out from under her. This feeling must be what Father and 'Kiko felt when they flew. As his hands wandered over her back, she pressed herself more firmly against him. Her own hands caressed the back of his neck and his hair.

It was hard for her to resist moaning, but she was a little afraid of . . . she wasn't sure what. It seemed like things were moving quickly, and she thought that he was a little concerned over what was happening, either because of her inexperience or her parentage. So perhaps it was best to just kiss back and not worrry about what she should or shouldn't do.

 

[Armphid]

Sheng let out a soft moan, muffled well by Fumiko's sweet, hungry lips. She tasted so good, felt so right in his arms. His heart was racing, his blood singing in his veins. It usually took fighting to get his kind of high for him. Fighting or...where this was headed. She pressed herself against him, and even through both of their clothes he felt the warmth and lines of her body.

His hands ran down her back, skirting along the hem of her thin undershirt. They began to slip beneath...

...And he pulled his hands away from her as if he'd been burned. What the hell was he thinking? He wasn't, that was the answer. He was letting his hormones and his feelings do his thinking for him. Which would only lead to trouble. "Not right," he said softly, his voice hardly audible even to himself. He shook his head, "I'm sorry, Fumiko."

He stepped back away from her, his hands going to her shoulder to keep her firmly at arm's length for a few moments. Then he took yet another step back. He was looking at her, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Gods, Spirits, and Demons, she looked so incredible. She was aroused, he knew. And so was he. But he knew what it was. He'd dealt with it before. She hadn't. This was something that had never happened to her. It wouldn't be right to take advantage of that. It certainly would be a terrible crime to a girl as wonderful and highborn as Fumiko. His face was torn between responsibility and that other complusion.

Sheng took a deep breath, closing his eyes. When they opened, the conflict was gone. He smiled, his normal grin tinged with regret. "Fumiko, I know this is going to sound crazy, but...I don't want you to regret me. And I don't want this journey to be tainted by...what could be. If...when...I don't want you to regret me," he said again.

Then he turned away. It was easier when he wasn't looking at her. Her eyes bright, eager, fiery. Her hair streaming around her flushed face, her chest rising and falling. Much easier to do this when he didn't see what he was turning away from. Perhaps forever. He knew he wasn't handling this the best he could. He was probably hurting her feelings quite a bit. But...it was the right choice. That was why it wrenched him so. "...You should get some sleep. I'll wake you when it's time for your watch. Good night, Fumiko."

He didn't wait for a response, just walked away to 'patrol' the borders of their little campsite. Damn it. "Damn me, for that matter," he muttered.

 

[Ahren1]

Sai was surprising himself with the feelings that he was developing for the gorgeous girl beside him. Then again, he had fallen in love quickly before. The similarities to that both pleased him and frightened him. He knew it was rare to have such feelings multiple times in life, but he couldn't risk losing someone again that he had such feelings for. It was difficult, and he knew he couldn't take things too quickly. Still, as he gazed upon Fukiko's innocent expressions, every moment her lips parted, he had the urge to just lean over and take her into a passionate kiss. It took every bit of willpower he had not to. The chestnut haired traveler had to remember that she had not left the temple before. This was likely her first time interacting with a boy in such a manner. It was possible her hormones were just getting the best of her with the new experience.

Truth be told, she really didn't know much about him. Even worse, he could easily be considered dangerous by the group. Maybe he would never harm them directly, but simply being with him was putting them in at least some danger. Sai's mind kept telling him that if he knew what was best for Fukiko, he would let her go now, but his soul wouldn't listen. There was something about her that attracted him, and it wasn't just for romantic reasons, but pertaining to his quest as well. He knew staying with her was the right thing to do in more ways than one. After all, his mother had always told him that anything worth doing wasn't easy. Perhaps the danger that he potentially brought was just part of the trials they would face to get their true reward.

As he glanced down at Fukiko's fingers lightly touching his, he took it a bit further, letting his hand move onto hers and caress her skin gently. Such a simple act was able to make his heart race, as her skin was smooth as silk, but he sensed a bold heart within her that wasn't unlike his own. After a few moments, he smiled at her and nodded, removing his hand as to not overstay his welcome. Plus, he didn't want to rush things with her. She spoke of getting to know him along the way, and he would allow her to, so they both could see if he was what she truly desired, or if it just happened to be the tenderness of the moment clouding her judgment.

"I look forward to that. For now, lets go back to camp and get some rest." With that, he stood from his spot in the grass and gathered his belongings, holding his hand out to Fukiko in order to help her up as well.

 

[HookerBoots]

Fukiko smiled and took his hand, letting him help her up. He was nice, no matter what he was hiding from them. Father was always saying that it was what people did and not their pasts that mattered, and he'd already helped them. She smiled at him again, and looked at the items he was carrying. "Do you want me to help carry something?"

~ ~ ~ ~​

Fumiko stood there, stunned, as Sheng walked away. What on earth did that mean, he didn't want her to "regret" him? There were some things she regretted, to be sure - giving up her favorite kimono to Kyoshi one day and getting it back stained, for one - but she was certain that whatever happened, she wouldn't regret it. She'd never felt . . . maybe that was what it was about? He thought she was too inexperienced to know what she wanted?

Her expression went from hurt to angry, and she stalked back to the earth tent. Fumiko started to arrange her bed roll, then paused. No. She was probably being stupid, but there was no way she was going to sleep under something he'd made. She snatched up her things and dragged them over next to the fire.

 

[Ahren1]

Sai held onto Fukiko's hand for a few moments as she stood up, enjoying the fact that he could hold it again so soon. It gave way to a slight daydream of being allowed to hold her fully, but that would have to wait.. Eventually, he released it as they began to walk, and gave a light smile in response to Fukiko's offer to assist him. The painter just shook his head, tugging at the strap around his shoulder. "Oh, thank you, but I'm all right. I've been carrying all this for years now, I barely even notice it anymore."

It was true, and compared to his heavy past, some painting supplies and traveling utilities were featherweight. In a way, the Avatar's daughter was already helping him carry that weight. The thought of having companions again, having someone to care about again even if just as a friend, was releasing some of his long built tension. While his intentions may have initially been focused on his own journey, his fondness for Fukiko was giving him strength to genuinely assist in hers as well. Like he had thought before, she was special, and not just because of who her father was. Maybe instead of worrying about bringing harm to her, he could focus on protecting her since he had already failed once. He would not do it again.

As they arrived back at camp, they were greeted with the sight of a frustrated Fumiko arranging her bed outside of the Earth tent, and Sheng out of sight. Perhaps it was not his business, but Sai wasn't ready to have dissension in the group so soon. "Ah, Lady Fumiko, you are still awake.. Is everything all right?" He inquired politely, setting his pack down a little ways from the fire and taking a few steps to the waterbending sister.

 

[HookerBoots]

Fukiko could tell right away that her sister was upset - it had been a long time since Fumiko had been angry, and Fukiko was usually the twin with a quick temper - and had a pretty good idea what it was about. And if she was right, her sister wasn't going to be willing to talk about it. She stayed slightly behind and to one side of Sai, watching carefully.

Fumiko turned around, giving Sai a smile that was supposed to be bright but stopped somewhere around sharp. "Yes, everything's fine. I just decided to sleep under the stars tonight."

Sure she had. Fukiko was sure that this had nothing at all to do with this being their first night away from home, and the freedom afforded by a clear night sky, and everything to do with some sort of snit her twin was in over the person who'd built the earth tent for them. If Fumiko didn't want to talk about it, that was fine. She'd figure it out eventually.

 

[Ahren1]

Sai was wise enough not to press the issue further. "Ah, something I'm quite fond of myself. I hope you don't mind my resting here as well. Fukiko said that it would probably be best in case my assistance is required. That is why I am here, after all." He smiled lightly, setting out his bedroll near the fire as well. It seemed like a waste to let the Earth tent go unused, but Sheng would probably return to it eventually.

As he glanced between the girls, he once again laid back down and looked up at the stars. "Rest up well. If I know anything about traveling, it is that an exhausted body is your worst enemy..." Sai chose to keep his gaze on Fukiko for the moment while trying not to make it seem as if he was staring inappropriately, daydreaming about resting with her next to him. Perhaps it was silly to imagine something like that already, but it did sound nice..

 

[Armphid]

Sheng sighed. He was standing in the nearby forest, leaning against a tree trunk. His earth senses felt the movement at the camp, of Fumiko moving out of the tent he'd made. Yeah, she was pissed at him. Didn't she understand...no, of course not. All she knew was that he'd blown her off and rejected her. He would be lucky if she ever spoke to him, civilly anyway, again.

So much for not making things weird and awkward. Way to go, Prince of Earth.

He'd stay here in the woods tonight. If he came back to camp, it'd just be uncomfortable. Yeah, it was colder here, but...that was his punishment for doing the right thing. Coward. Idiot.

He sighed again, looking up through the leaves as the few stars he could see. Disinterested prince, hostage, bad son, earthbender whose master had ditched him, poor vagabond, and now, inconsiderate jerk. "Is there nothing that I can't mess up?" There was, of course, no answer. But he hadn't really expected one. "Maybe one of these days, I won't be a let down to somebody." Yeah. Sure.

 

[HookerBoots]

With a sigh, Fukiko pulled her hair back into a long tail and smiled at Sai. Again, she got to try and make peace between people. The eternal Airbender role. "I think I'll go for a walk." As Sai sat up, she shook her head. "I'll be fine."

Fumiko paused, looking at her sister. Then she shrugged. "Whatever, 'Kiko. Don't go too far."

The only place he could be was in the small forest. Anywhere else and she'd be able to see him clearly. Fukiko sighed and walked that way, tucking her hands behind her back as she walked casually towards the stand of trees. He knew she was coming, of course, being an Earthbender, but she didn't want to seem over eager.

It was hard to see in the darkness, but she could sort of make out his hair and tunic against a tree. "Sheng? Are you all right?"

 

[Armphid]

He wasn't sure immediately who was coming toward him. It was one of the twins, and he thought it was Fukiko. She wasn't stomping at all. Then as she drew closer, he was sure of it. Such light steps.

He was quiet, not sure what she was coming here for. Just to walk, to use the 'facilities' or if she was looking for him.

"Sheng? Are you all right?"

That answered that. "Of course, Lady Fukiko, why wouldn't I be?" He stepped out away from the tree, trying his best to put on a smile. "Everything's fine, and I've got a pretty girl coming over to check on me, what's not to...yeah, you're not buying it."

He sighed, shrugging. "I'm sorry. I upset your sister, I think I hurt her feelings, but...I think I had to hurt them now, or it'd be worse later." He shook his head, feeling a need to talk. Not just flirt or anything, but to really talk. Why to her and why now? Who knew. "Ever since you two asked me about my past, I've been out of sorts and, well. Fumiko and I, she, uh, she kissed me." He smiled a little at the memory of that. Wow. "And it went back forth for a while, and...it was going to go further. So I stopped."

He sighed, "I just thought that if something happened between us, I mean we've only just met, and what if we end up not getting along...she'd regret it. Regret me, as part of her life. I don't want that, so I stopped and walked away. That's why she's mad. I rejected her, and I wasn't very smooth about it."

"More than you wanted to know, right? Sorry. It seems that...never mind, that would have just been more of me whining." He tried to smile again. "I'm fine, Lady Fukiko. You should worry about Fumiko. She's the important one here. And I'm sure she wants me far away right now."

 

[HookerBoots]

Fukiko tipped her head to one side. "I figured it was something like that." She leaned against a tree, looking at him steadily. "What I don't get is why you'd think something so stupid."

The surprise and slight offense on his face almost made her laugh. But she managed to keep her face calm. "I mean, really. Sheng, look." She spread her arms. "We may not be very old, and we may not be very experienced with guys, but we know our own minds." Fukiko brought her hands together with a soft clap. "You did the right thing, but you should have explained it better to her, that's all. She's more upset over the fact that you think she didn't know what she wanted than the fact that you 'rejected' her."

Pushing herself from the tree, Fukiko smiled at him again. "You're Aunt Toph's student, so you don't have much in the way of tact, so apologizing will only make things worse. Try to treat her - us - like what we are: women who know what we're doing."

She turned and started to walk away. "She'll be fine tomorrow. Although you might get the rematch you want sooner than you think. And stop worrying so much."

 

[Armphid]

Sheng was glad he hadn't made the outburst that had half-risen to his lips when she started talking. She was wise for her age, probably a lot more than him. Though that wouldn't shock anyone. "I wasn't trying to...I guess I see what you're saying though." He sighed, "I just wasn't sure that what she wanted at night, and what she'd want in the morning would be the same."

He yawned, "Thanks, Fukiko. I'll be better about it from now on." He never thought that they didn't know what they were doing, not really. Well, that wasn't true. He had, about that neatly avoided aspect of life. "I'll be better in the morning too." He'd have time to put the memories and ugly feelings of his past behind him, get them out of his way. "Good night."

Feeling better, he lay back on the forest floor. Crossing his hands behind his head, he looked up at the twinkling stars through the leafy canopy. In the morning, he'd be in for it. But maybe he could explain it somehow. Or she'd forgive him. Then there was what Fukiko said about that rematch...it might smooth things over if he lost, but...

No. No way.

He wasn't going to lose. That was kind of what set off this weird tension between him and Fumiko anyway. He'd win, and earn back his pride. Then it would all fall into place.

 

[Ahren1]

Sai laid quietly near the fire for a few minutes after Fukiko had gone off to locate Sheng. Every so often, he'd give a casual glance to Fumiko who did not seem to be managing to sleep quite yet either. He went over scenarios in his mind and he realized he had seen that sort of frustration from a woman before. With the absence of Sheng, it really was quite obvious. Sai remembered from dinner how they explained he had just joined their quest as well, so any affection between Sheng and Fumiko was new, and likely still being smoothed over.. Relationships were like that, and Sai knew all too well, hence why he had to take it slow with Fukiko. Rushing too quickly could potentially cause unnecessary conflict early on.. Still, he had only known Fukiko for a day, and only spoken with her personally for a short time, but he had felt an almost surreal connection to her that eventually he would have to test whether or not she had felt the same way.

Finally, the wanderer glanced over to Fumiko once again and gathered the courage to speak to the irritated woman. "While we may not know each other very well, yet. You can speak to me about whatever you wish. I enjoy listening to others, as odd as that may sound. I suppose it just came from going to so many places and overhearing things wherever I went."

Sai rubbed his forehead a bit, knowing he was sounding a bit odd. "What I mean is, if you wish to voice a concern or opinion, or have an inquiry, I will be happy to help. I likely have some insight into the male mind in case you are ever.. confused or bothered by something he does.."

 

[HookerBoots]

Fumiko had been lying under her blanket, seething silently, until Sai spoke up. She glanced over at him, a snotty retort on her lips, then thought better of it. Sighing, she sat up, wrapping her arms around her blanket-covered knees. "Thank you, Sai. I guess I'm just . . . I mean, we kissed, and then he just walked away!"

She rested her head on her knees and looked at him. "He said he didn't want me to regret it. Why would he think that I would?" Maybe he wouldn't have any answers, but . . . it sort of felt better to talk about it, at least to someone.

 

[Ahren1]

Sai eventually sat up and clasped his hands together, resting his chin on the topmost knuckle. He was fairly sure what had happened now. Unfortunately Sheng hadn't been able to word himself properly when taking his leave, or perhaps Fumiko had a moment of immaturity where she simply did not understand his meaning. It was not hard to imagine. While the girls were intelligent, whether or not they chose to believe it, they lacked some knowledge in relationships. Not that Sai considered himself an expert, but in this case he did understand it better. The real difficulty was finding the proper way to word it without just getting Fumiko irritated at him as well.

"Well, I assume he said that because he cares about you enough to wish to cultivate the relationship and let it grow. Too much rapid exploration of passion can sometimes lead to an unhappy ending for many reasons.

It is not that he feels you don't know what you want, but that he has great enough feelings for you to let things progress properly, and ensure that you are both right for each other... You have to ask yourself if you are positive about what you want, as certain heated moments can cloud judgment. If you are, then I'm sure he will see it, and not hesitate to return the feelings.

I.. hope that makes sense."

Sai laid back down and began to stare at the stars once again. Well, he had done the best he could. It was difficult to see how those words would upset her more, but women were unpredictable sometimes. He obviously neglected to mention that he was using the same logic on Fukiko, but they had yet to even kiss. He wondered what her reaction would have been, if the situations had been switched around.

 

[HookerBoots]

Sai's words mollified Fumiko somewhat, but it didn't make her feel much better. She'd acted badly, in that case, when Sheng was only trying to . . . try not to hurt her if things didn't work out. Spirits! She was an idiot.

"Thank you, Sai," she said softly, settling back into her blankets. She had a lot to think about, but there was one thing that was clear: She had to find some way to make this up to Sheng.

Fukiko made it back to camp in time to see Sai and her sister lying back down under their blankets. Well, it looked like everything was calm here. Good to know. Her first impulse was to lie down under the earth tent, regardless of where her sister was. But she realized that, perhaps, Fumiko wanted someone she knew well near her. And so she pulled out her blankets and settled down between Fumiko and Sai, smiling at him as he turned his head to look at her.

She turned to face her sister. And stopped. Fumiko wasn't asleep, but her eyes were closed. Sneaky. Fukiko grinned and whispered, "If you feel like talking, I'm here."

There was no response, so she closed her own eyes and snuggled deeper under her blankets. Then a whisper drifted to her. "Thanks."

 

[Armphid]

Before the light of the rising sun caressed the make shift mattress of leaves Sheng had made for himself, the young earth bender had risen. Alone in that oddly darkest dark just before dawn he had walked down to the beach. Removing his clothes, he walked into the surf, letting it pound away at him. Then he dove in and swam, not far from shore, as he knew of the monster that lay in wait in the deep. The water was cool instead of cold, refreshing, and cleansing.

He emerged just as the sun as beginning to show over the horizon. Placing his unruly black hair back in it's leather thong, he leaned on a rock and watched the sunrise for sometime before re-dressing and walking slowly back to the little campsite.

The night's sleep had left him feeling better. Cleaning off and watching the sun helped as well. He knew he'd made a mistake yesterday, but it didn't seem so monumental. It also was a boon that he'd been able to push his memories away. For now, at least.

The others still slept when he arrived, the girls' blankets rising and falling, Sai's arms crossed over his chest, Appa snoring like quiet thunder. Smiling, Sheng knelt beside the dark remnants of the fire, stirring them to find a few still red coals. Within minutes, he had to going again. Waking up to a fire, and maybe a hot breakfast would do them all good. Odds were strong that today they would have more distance to cover.

 

[Ahren1]

Sai had been awake for a few minutes now, though he kept his eyes shut. It wasn't intended as acting asleep, rather he always felt like he needed to take some time to contemplate things upon first waking up. There was a lot this time around. It was the first day where he would be waking to others he was traveling with. The first day where he'd have to watch out for said others and not just himself. The first day traveling with the lovely Fukiko, and of course a day closer to his quest being complete.. So he hoped.

As the fire began to start again, Sai finally opened his eyes, glancing over to Sheng who had apparently been up even longer than he had. From the sound of things, the Earthbender was preparing to cook again, which he did not object to. Though he did have to wonder how long they could go on the luxury of having things to cook at all.

"Not often people wake before me and fail to also wake me in the process. Did you not return to the camp to sleep?" Sai questioned quietly, hoping not to wake the girls in the process.

 

[Armphid]

"Sifu said to watch out for the quiet ones," Sheng said wryly. Then he coughed, lowering his voice, "Nah, I camped out in the woods. Better to have the leaves overhead to catch the dew, you don't get as wet." Of course, if he'd slept out here, he'd have just made an earth tent. Which he was sure Sai knew. He also hoped the traveler would respect the fact that he hadn't mentioned the real reason he'd stayed away last night. "Besides, I get up before the sun everyday, and the rest of you could use the rest."

He shrugged with a smile, turning his attention back to cooking. In a few minutes, he set a few strips of cured bacon down on the hot skillet, the sizzle and smell erupting. "If you're up, Sai, could you go down to town and see if you can haggle some eggs?" He rummaged in his belt pouch, producing a few copper Earth Kingdom coins. "We won't be able to enjoy warm breakfasts for long, might as well make this last one good."

 

[HookerBoots]

The smell and sound of bacon roused Fumiko, who sat up and blinked sleepily. "Ugh. It's morning already?"

Fukiko rolled over, buried her face in her pillow, and muttered, "God, shut up, 'Miko. Go back to sleep." A smooth hand reached over and poked her side. She batted ineffectually at it, then pushed herself up and glared at her sister.

"Good morning, 'Kiko."

"Shut. Up."

Stretching broadly, Fumiko looked around and smiled at her sister. Then she looked at the men, and her smiled dimmed somewhat. "Good morning, Sai, Sheng." Fukiko echoed her sullenly as she turned over and sat up, running a hand through her tangled hair.

Tucking her hair behind her ears, Fukiko worked up a smile. "Breakfast, huh?" She sighed, then looked at the pan in distaste. "I suppose it'll be porridge for me, then."

 

[Ahren1]

Sai nodded, remaining silent as Sheng explained where he had slept. It was obvious why, especially after the conversation he had with Fumiko the night before. The painter had to admit he was relieved Sheng had retained such mannerisms during his travels, as having two people knowledgeable in the art of the journey would be better than one. As the Earthbender withdrew the coins, Sai nodded again and took them, preparing to head off to the village until the girls began to stir awake.

Even though he was near her the whole night, Sai was pleased to see Fukiko again. He couldn't help but chuckle at the banter between the sisters. As he expected, Fukiko would be one to fight to sleep just a little longer. He had to admit to himself that even with the tangled hair, she was still gorgeous. Maybe even moreso, as it was such a peaceful and innocent moment. He noticed Fukiko's unhappiness with the food being cooked, which reminded him of the night before during dinner where he discovered Fukiko was a vegetarian. Naturally bacon would not be her favorite morning dish then.

"I was about to go to the village to see what other breakfast items I could manage.. Perhaps you would like to join me, that way you could inform me what you would like." Sai smiled, turning to Fukiko as he folded up his bedroll.

 

[Armphid]

"If you were enlightened enough to eat meat like a civilized person, this wouldn't happen," Sheng retorted with a smirk. Then he laughed, "I can fry up some veggies too, Lady Fukiko. I'll even use different oil so there's no contamination for you." Then he frowned, "...do eggs count as meat?"

As he waited for an answer, he tended to the bacon. "I'll try to keep it warm until you two get back, but don't take too long. We don't have a firebender handy for easy manipulation of heat." Some fresh vegetables might be good though, assuming Fukiko would share. Then he realized something. If they left...he'd be alone with Fumiko

Crap.

 

[HookerBoots]

Fukiko smiled at Sai and stood up. "I'd love to." She intentionally ignored Fumiko's gestures of negation, and headed for the earth tent. "Just let me put on a clean tunic."

Fumiko glared at her sister's back as it vanished between the slabs of rock, then sighed and looked at her lap. Great. She'd be alone with Sheng, and have no idea what to say. Again. She rubbed her hands over her blankets, feeling the rough weave of the fabric.

Fukiko stepped out of the tent and pushed her hair off her face, smiling brightly at Sai. "I'm ready when you are. And Sheng? Eggs don't count as meat."